The Investment Banking Essentials course offers an in-depth exploration of the key principles, processes, and strategies in investment banking. The course begins with an introduction to investment banking, providing learners with a detailed overview of its history, evolution, and the critical functions of investment bankers. Students will understand the vital role investment bankers play in financial markets, including deal origination, valuation, negotiation, and closing deals.

A significant focus of the course is the investment banking process, where learners will explore each phase of a deal, from the initial stages of deal origination and due diligence to the final stages of closing the deal. The course provides a thorough grounding in valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis, comparable company analysis (CCA), precedent transactions analysis (PTA), and leveraged buyout (LBO) analysis, enabling students to analyze and value companies effectively.

Financial modelling is another essential area covered, where students will learn to build comprehensive financial models, forecast financial statements, and conduct sensitivity and scenario analyses to assess different outcomes. Additionally, learners will gain insights into capital raising strategies, such as debt and equity capital markets, private placements, and syndicated loans, helping them understand the various methods companies use to secure funding.

The course also delves into mergers and acquisitions (M&A), providing a detailed overview of the M&A process, types of M&A transactions, and the role of investment bankers in financing and valuing deals. Students will also explore Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), covering the benefits and risks of going public, the IPO process, and how to underwrite an IPO. The regulatory environment is thoroughly examined, with a focus on key legislation such as the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.

In the final lecture, learners will explore career opportunities in investment banking, understand the challenges and risks involved in the industry, and gain insights into future trends that may shape the field. The course provides a holistic view of investment banking, equipping students with the practical skills and knowledge necessary to excel in this competitive and fast-paced industry.